The Constantia Valley is truly Cape Town’s Vineyard
The oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685, Constantia Valley is today the Cape’s most intimate wine route consisting of nine wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines.
Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, Constantia Valley’s unique combination of terroir and climate produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards for consistently high standard and quality.
The Constantia Wine Route
Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Steenberg, Constantia Glen, Eagles' Nest, Beau Constantia and Silvermist – the nine producers making up the Constantia Wine Route – are big in quality, rich in history and boast a unique terroir and boast a winemaking history dating back to 1685.
The Valley was the cradle of quality wine-making in South Africa and the name Constantia is linked with the most famous wines ever produced in this country. For over two centuries these natural sweet wines were sought after by royal courts and the aristocracy of Europe.
The Constantia Wine Route: Download PDF Version
Today, Constantia is still seen as a benchmark of South African wine, identified in top-of-mind awareness as one of the fine wine regions outside Europe. The significant awards garnered by the route over the last decade is testimony to the quality and consistently high standard of the wines.
Given its proximity to the city and easy accessibility, Constantia is truly Cape Town's own wine route. The breathtaking beauty of a valley where vineyard rows stretch up the mountainside - within minutes of a capital city - is unique in today's overcrowded world. While sweet whites gave the area its legendary appeal, Constantia is also renowned for dry whites and reds of top international standard. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,Semillon and Viognier plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage and Cabernet Franc as well as their legendary Bordeaux style red and white blends. Stylish Methode Cap Classique are crafted in the valley and sought after by the most discerning of palates.
This spread of cultivars allows for a range of crafted wines that capture the complexity and elegance characteristic of the Valley's terroir and gentle maritime climate.
Manageable in size if you're planning a tasting tour, the nine-farm wine route is unique in that all members are at the premium end of the market. There are no bulk wines.
You'll find excellent, knowlegeable service in the tasting rooms and cellar doors, where the friendly welcome echoes the hospitality extended to Constantia's first international visitors, who came to taste and buy wine at the end of the 18th century.